Tag Archives: indian makeup blog

Himalaya Gentle Refreshing Toner Review

Himalaya Gentle Refreshing Toner Review
What the Company claims: A special blend of herbs that controls excess oil secretion and makes your skin oil-free. It is enriched with Lemon and Jasmine which refresh and cool your skin, Sensitive Plant extracts that control excess oil secretion, and Sweet Marjoram that nourishes the skin, to keep it healthy and radiant.Directions: After using Himalaya Herbals Deep Cleansing Milk, pour a few drops of Gentle Refreshing Toner on a cotton pad and wipe thoroughly over your face and neck.
Himalaya Gentle Refreshing Toner Review

Pack Size: Gentle Refreshing Toner is available in a pack size of 100ml.

Composition: Gentle Refreshing Toner contains the following ingredients:

Jasminum sambac (Jasmine, Jati) is cooling and valued in aiding the healing oily, sensitive and irritated skin.

Mimosa pudica (Sensitive Plant, Lajjalu) has styptic activity, anti-inflammatory and good for dry and injured skin.

Origanum majorana (Marjoram, Marubaka) has antibacterial, antifungal, soothing, refreshing and healing properties.

Citrus limon (Lemon, Nimbuka) has antibacterial, astringent and cell-regenerative properties. It helps to refresh the skin and improves toning.

MRP: Rs.70/- for 100ml

Its a transparent alcohol free toner..has a very light smell. It has this small nozzle like opening for the product to come out.

Pros:

1. Works nicely in keeping pores tightened and keeping skin oil free.
2. Handy to use and carry.
3. Economically priced.
4. Alcohol free.
5. Has herbal ingredients.
6. Gives a cooling effect.

Cons:

1. Skin comes back to normal in a few hours..so the effect does not stay for long.
2. Has parabens.
3. Would not bring in any much of a change in the skin.

Overall its a decent toner..good for keeping skin toned and matte for a few hours..but does not show any much of a change in the skin.

Rating:

Quality: 3.25/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: May be

P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion.

Garnier Anti Dark Circles Tinted Eye Roll On Review

Garnier Anti Dark Circles Tinted Eye Roll On Review

What the Company claims: Dark circles not only make you look tired but also darken your eye contour. Garnier introduces Light Anti Dark Circles 2-in-1 Tinted Eye Roll-on, the 1st refreshing roll-on with dual anti dark circles action.

Instant covering action: Concentrated in mineral pigments, it covers dark circles in a flash. Giving you soft, natural looking finish for long lasting wear.
Anti dark circle hydrating care: Enriched with caffeine and pure lemon essence, known for its brightening properties, it combines a hydrating formula and the draining effect of a massage to effectively reduce dark circles and reveal a radiant and fresh look.

Proven efficacy: Dark circles are perfectly covered and appear reduced. Eye contour is refreshed and brighter.

Its unique formula blends a moisturising cream with selected active ingredients.
Pure Lemon Essence & Vitamin C to clarify & smoothen skin.
Long Dan extract to help slow down skin darkening.
Glycerin to moisturise and comfort the skin.
UVA & UVB’s to protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

Directions: Apply Garnier Anti Dark Circles Eye Roll-on to the eye contour area in light circular massaging movements. The liquid will be applied automatically via the roller ball. If necessary, use your fingertips to spread evenly.

Recommended usage: Twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.

MRP: Rs. 199/- for 15ml

Its available in two shades..Medium and Fair in India..

Medium has yellow undertones whereas Fair has a little pink undertones.

It has this steel roller ball tip which feels very cooling on application. Its easy to spread but needs to be blended in with the ring finger and fast before it dries..its in a liquid form which dries super fast..so if you have dry skin you might need an eye cream coz this is not creamy and moisturising types.

Mehak used this as an eye primer in emergency and I used it for concealing a few spots when I did not have a concealer handy and this did work ! But either ways for the under eyes or overall it gives a very light coverage..so if you have heavy dark circles it might not work for you.

Unblended
Blended

I find this very handy for daily use..and when you are in a hurry…it stays a decent 4-5 hours normally but lesser in more humid climate.

Pros:

1. Easy to use and handy.
2. Though there are just two shades available Medium shade would suit most of the Indian skin tones.
3. Economical.
4. Travel friendly.
5. Gives a nice cooling effect on application.
6. It does conceal lightly and give brighter eyes but not if you have heavy dark circles.

Cons:

1. May feel a little drying.
2. Light coverage.
3. It would not reduce dark circles as claimed.

Overall I quite liked it and found it handy enough coz I am most of the time in a hurry 😀

Rating:

Quality: 3.5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Have you used the Garnier Tinted Eye Roll On ?

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo,Conditioner Review

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo,Conditioner Review
About the Dove Nourishing Oil Care Range: Hair often feels rough and dry after a hair wash, that’s because ordinary* shampoos strip your hair of its natural oils. New Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo is enhanced with Vita-Oils that go deep inside the hair fiber and help lock in the nourishment of oil; making hair smooth, shiny and beautiful with every wash.

Dove Oil Care Shampoo

What the Company claims: Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo with Fiber Actives and Vita-Oils give Vitamin enriched nourishment to make your hair resilient to damage.

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs. 123/- for 200ml

I have used the normal Dove range before and liked it too. I love the way Dove makes my hair feel. My hair is softer and less frizzier.

So I was all excited about this new range too. And how does it fare..read on

Its a yellow colored shampoo of normal consistency..and has those sparkling shimmers..has that trademark Dove smell. It lathers well and cleanses well in one wash. Does not make my hair feel dry at all.

Pros:

1. Lathers and cleanses well..you do not need lots of shampoo for it.
2. Does not ever make my hair feel dry.
3. My hair is softer and less frizzy as with the older range.
4. I like the smell.
5. I loved the whole new Nourishing range packaging.
6. Its quite economical and easily available everywhere unlike my old Herbal Essences which was not so easily available.
7. I do not know how much but the blend of coconut,sunflower and almond oils does help.

Cons:

1. It has SLS and silicones..the build up of which is not so good for the hair.

Other than that I did not find any cons with it. Dove range always suit my hair.

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner

What the Company claims: Dryness, which is the very first sign of damage, makes your hair look dull and feel rough. The reason behind this dryness of hair is lack of nourishment. That’s why treat your hair with Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner that has the power of double nourishment. It is the next generation conditioner with golden ribbon inside that contains Vita-Oils to nourish your hair from deep within, leaving no greasiness on the outside. Its white ribbon that contains the conditioner locks-in the nourishment to keep dryness at bay. So, restore your hair’s smoothness and softness with Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner.

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs. 160/- for 200ml

I love the packaging of this ! It has this chakri shaped outing which removes your conditioner like a chakri and has both golden and white ribbons i.e white and yellow parts in line..which come out together. Its fun to use it !

Even this has a nice smell. I love the conditioner even more than the shampoo. And I can never skip using this after shampoo. Love the way my hair feels with it.

Their pros and cons are almost the same as above..as even this contains silicones. But then mostly all shampoos and conditioners do..coz otherwise our hair would not feel the way we want them to.

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4.25/5

Would I buy it again: Yes..surely !

P.S: Product gifted by brand through Indiblogger but it has not affected my opinion.

7 Beauty Tips for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive Skin

People with red hair, or who have Celtic, Irish, British or Scottish heritage often suffer from sensitive skin, which is characterized by very thin, fragile and pink colored skin.

Sensitive skin is often mistaken for allergy-prone skin. In sensitive skin the blood vessels and nerve endings are closer to the surface of the skin, which causes it to get irritated and redden easily from external or internal irritants. Not only can topical application of a cosmetic cause sensitive skin to redden, but so can eating spicy food, consuming caffeine or alcohol, taking niacin (Vitamin B3), exposure to sun or tobacco use.

Sensitive skin is much more likely to develop reactions and allergies to cosmetics, however many reaction to cosmetics for people with sensitive skin may not be associated with true allergies. It takes special attention to the details of foods and cosmetic ingredients to isolate what is causing simply red irritated skin and what is the cause of a true allergy. Either way anyone with sensitive skin knows that whether it is a true allergy or simply a reaction from sensitive skin it is desirable to avoid the cause of the reaction in the future.

7 tips for Sensitive Skin:

  • Avoid cedar wood at this ingredient, all be it naturally derived, can cause skin irritation
  • Don’t use pre purchased face cloths/wipes as these contain chemicals and artificial preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin types
  • Avoid coriander oil this can cause contact dermatitis
  • Splash your face with water before and after cleansing and use a face cloth with luke warm water (not hot!)
  • Avoid artificial fragrances. Not to be confused with natural fragrances – some of which can actually be healing!
  • Select a certified organic face cleanser
  • Be gentle with your skin – don’t rub and scrub vigorously, this can increase the sensitivity
Source: 1,2

Picture Polish International Giveaway

Picture Polish International Giveaway
So here is another giveaway for you all..if you remember I had named a nail paint ‘Jealousy’ and won 3 nail paints by Picture Polish..and also had swatched Coral Reef for their Blog Fest…check it out here and here.

Now one of you stand a chance to win 3x Picture Polish Nail Paints…Is’nt that exciting..

I love the quality of these nail paints..they do not chip for around a week and they have some amazing colors in their collection.

Prize:

One of you can win any 3 nail paints of your choice from Picture Polish. (excluding the Ozotic shades). You can check out the shades here

Check out my NOTD for Antique here. I would even do NOTD’s for Jealousy and Popsicle if you want to select that..do let me know..

Rules:
You do not have to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email id where you can be reached should you win. This giveaway is International and will end on 26th September 2011 at 12.00. The winner will be chosen using random.org and will be notified by email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond, or another winner will be selected.

To enter:
Mandatory Entry:
1) Follow my blog through GFC.
2) Leave your email id so that I can contact you.

Extra Entries:
3) Like my page on Facebook here and share this post on your facebook wall tagging my page with “Win 3x piCture pOlish Nail Paints of your choice @New Love” written on the post title (3 points) (You can use the share button above and just tag and mention this title)
4) Follow me on Twitter @bhumika_t (2 points ) and tweet about this giveaway. (2 points )
5) Follow my blog on Networked Blogs here. (2 points )
6) Sign-up for New Love’s e-mail updates (delivered via Feedburner) you actually have to Verify and Confirm the subscription in order to receive the extra entry. (5 points )
7) Post it on your side bar. (5 points )
8) Do a blog post about this giveaway…but it should not be a combined post of all giveaways..a separate blog post about this giveaway..and the blog should be a real one..and not one made just for giveaways.(5 points )
9) Add my blog to your blogroll (5 points)
10) Follow this blog on Bloglovin here  (2 points)

So a total of 32 points..Please fill your details in the form and not in the comments.

And do enter my other International Giveaway too here 

Good Luck 🙂

P.S: Sponsored Giveaway. I am not affiliated with the brand.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils Review, Swatches

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils Review, Swatches

What the Company claims: NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil could be used for lining as well as shadows. Containing mineral oils and powders, the pencil does not dry out your eyes and applies smoothly without pulling or tugging.

A radiant eye liner that also doubles as an eye shadow. Made with a blend of mineral oil and powder, our creamy Jumbo Eye Pencils glide on effortlessly—no pulling, tugging or fading—and come in a rainbow of vivid hues. Some call her chubby. We say voluptuous.

Available in 28 shades.

Ingredients: Ceresin Wax, Candelilla Wax, Bees Wax, Squalane, Hydrogenated Styrene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Mineral Oils, Polyisobutene, Butylated Hydroxy Anisole, Propyl Paraben, Mica, Talc, C.I.77499, Pearl Powder.

MRP: 4$ or Rs.400/-

Source: Pork Daisy

I have got the shades Milk, Yogurt and Rust..I did not get Black Bean as I already have enough of black eye pencils and gel liners for a base..

Milk is a plain pure milky white

Yogurt is a shimmery frosty champagne color with coppery light pink sheen

Rust is a metallic purply reddish brown with a hint of gold..a true RUST..difficult to describe this color..but its a very pretty and different color..though not an everyday color..works great with Indian wear 🙂

These are like quite famous..so everyone must be knowing about these..very creamy and super pigmented..one swipe and nice color without any tugging,pulling..

I love all the colors mostly..quick and easy way for a nice splash of color on eyes when in hurry..

Pros:

1. Super creamy and glide on smoothly.
2. Nice pigmentation.
3. Work as eye shadow base to make colors pop..for few hours :p
4. Lighter colors work great as highlighters and for inner corners.
5. The shade Yogurt works as an amazing highlighter for the cheekbones and cupid’s bow,inner corners and on the center of the lid.
6. I used Milk on waterline too and it did not sting or irritate eyes.
7. Pretty amazing and nice colors to choose from.
8. Would act as a base for pigments too.

Cons:

1. As these are JUMBO..I cannot use it as a liner..and even on the waterline they tend to come out a little on the lower lashes which kinda looks weird.
2. Sharpening them is a little tricky.
3. I said used as eye shadow base for few hours coz they crease 🙁 so you cannot skip a base completely.
4. The plastic cap is flimsy.
5. I wish they were available easily in India at the same cost 🙁

Overall these are quite nice as base or for a quick wash of color on the eyes when in hurry. And the most versatile of all the colors is Yogurt..!! That according to me is a must have as it works amazingly well as a highlighter..and as Mrunmayee discovered the color is a super close to MAC Cream Color Base in Hush..so a dupe !

I would recommend Yogurt the most..followed by  Milk and Black bean if you use eye shadows regularly. They work well as base for different color combos and for smokey eyes. Rust is quite a unique color and a dupe of MAC Fluidline in Rich Ground.Other colors I liked are Slate,Purple and Iced Mocha. Even Gold is pretty for Indian wear 🙂

Rating:

Quality: 3.5/5 (0.5 less coz they crease and 0.5 less coz cannot be used as liner)
Value for money: 3.5/5
Availability: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.25/5

Would I buy it again: Yes I may..as those pretty colors call me out and tempt me :p

Enter my giveaway here if you have not already and win NYX Milk and other goodies !!

Which is your favorite NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil shade ??

L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream Review

L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream Review

I had shared my experience about 99labels.com and that I got the L’occitane Lavender hand cream…I am using it from these many days..and read on to know more 😉

What the Company clams: A signature L’Occitane essential. A worldwide best-seller. Blends the nourishing benefits of Shea Butter with soothing A.O.C. lavender essential oil and rosemary extract. Contains vitamin E, shown to help encourage cell renewal, and–for sheer pleasure–bestows the subtle fragrances of the Mediterranean upon your senses. Feel transported to Provence with every application.


Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Cyclomethicone, Honey Extract, Polyacrylamide, Ceteareth-33, Phenoxyethanol, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Fragrance, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Beeswax, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Laureth-7, Linalool, Menthol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Limonene, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Coumarin, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol.

MRP: Rs. 495/- for 30ml

I never used a hand cream before…my hands are soft and any normal cream worked for me just as fine..But I had heard so much about it that I wanted to try..and when I saw this on offer I could not resist myself 😉 I am glad coz I am loving the experience..

Its a normal white colored cream..not too thick or greasy neither runny..normal consistency..spreads easily and gets absorbed in a jiffy ! It smells DIVINE !!
Seriously I am so in love with the lavender smell now..and the smell stays on for 3-4 hours…and I like keep smelling my hands :p I am so addicted to it now 🙂 Its so small..it fits in the palms..

Pros:

1. Smells super awesome.
2. The smell stays on for 3-4 hours.
3. Hands stay super soft..especially when used over night..you wake up to soft hands having amazing lavender smell 🙂
4. It gets absorbed in a jiffy…and its not at all greasy kinds..so you would not have that sticky greasy feeling..I hate those thick greasy creams :/
5. I like the packaging..its kinda different but a trademark L’occitane of course
6. Has shea butter,sunflower oil,lavender oil,rosemary oil,honey,coconut oil, xanthum gum and other ingredients..does feel great on the skin.
7. I use a little for cuticles and nails too..and like how they feel 🙂
8. Travel friendly.

Cons:

1. Expensive…you get only 30 ml for 495..you can get double qty at the same price from The Body Shop.
2. No SPF.
3. Has parabens and alcohol.

Overall I am in love with it…but its a splurge surely..and not an economical buy..but sometimes you can pamper yourself 😉

Rating:

Quality: 5/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes… 🙂

Have you tried the L’occitane hand creams yet ? 

Problems and Solutions : Ingrown Hair

Problems and Solutions : Ingrown Hair

 Hi,

I am starting a series of problems and solutions. I have covered Dandruff problem before here. Now I am dealing with the problem of Ingrown Hair today which most of us face…even I do sometimes if I do not exfoliate skin well…or post waxing for few days..till hair completely grows out.


What is Ingrown hair?

 Ingrown hair, or razor bumps, occur when the shaved or waxed hair gets trapped inside the hair follicle and curls or  grows back sideways into the skin in the follicle or fails to grow outwards and stays embedded into the skin.

 What causes it?

 Anything which causes the hair to be broken off short with a sharp tip can cause ingrown hair. Shaving is the leading cause, followed by waxing and tight clothing.

Symptoms:

  • Rashes
  • Itching skin
  • Bumps
  • Sometimes pus and infection
  • Inflammation

How to prevent it ?

The best way to  prevent it is by letting it grow..and not bothering it or cutting it in between. Exfoliate regularly so that the dead cells go away from the surface of the skin..and my dermat had recommended me to moisturise my skin well…as even dry skin can cause the in growth of hair. Wear loose clothes and give the skin some space.

 How to treat the already ingrown hair?

 1. Use a warm moist cloth and press it several times against the ingrown area…to soften the skin and let the hair come up on the surface…this is the most basic method. But if your ingrown hair does not come up you need to follow other methods as some grown inside are a little stubborn.

 2. Regular use of salt and sugar scrubs over that area..but if you have broken skin do not use salt scrub even anywhere  near that area.

 3.  Use of acne medication like salicylic acid benzoyl peroxide over the affected area…what you can do is make an aspirin mask..by dissolving it in little water and apply on the affected area.

 4. Last resort would be physically plucking it with tweezers..but be careful that you do not harm your skin or bleed in the process..though you do need to sanitize properly before doing it…stay away from alcohol based products as they would further dry the area making it worser.

 If you suffer from this problem too much..you can even go for permanent laser hair removal or electrolysis.

Lotus Herbals Intensive Sun Block Spray SPF 50 Review

Lotus Herbals Intensive Sun Block Spray SPF 50 Review
Lotus Herbals is very good with their sunscreens..I have tried two of them and loving them..I tried the Nomarks sunscreen before but it used to sweat me out..so I use to stay away from sunscreens but then I have realised the importance of sunscreens and how they are important to protect skin in the long term too..

I thought of giving the Lotus one a try..and I am so glad I did…It has SPF 50 and UVA Index 16

What the Company claims : This easy to use fine mist spray offers quick protection from UVA & UVB rays. It contains natural actives of chamomile, sage and thyme. Use on all exposed parts of the body, reapply frequently.

Directions for use : Spray directly on all exposed parts of the body (neck, arms, legs etc.) before exposure to sun. For face, spray into hand and apply to face. Re-apply frequently.

Active Ingredients: Extracts of sage as a natural sunscreen, chamomile for moisturising & thyme to protect from environmental damage.

MRP: Rs 195/- for 80 ml

Its a spray bottle…but its not a watery spray if you think so..Its a white liquid..spreads easily..and gets absorbed very fast..and is not at all greasy..it has no smell as such.

Pros:

1. Its the best sunscreen I have used till now.
2. Absorbs super easily and not at all greasy.
3. Claims to be sweat and water proof and it sure is.
4. Easy to carry and nice spray packaging.
5. Economical compared to other sunscreens.
6. Has no weird smells.
7. Did not break me out and neither sweats me out.
8. Does not give a whitish cast like other SPF products.
9. Its available at all supermarkets mostly.

Cons:

1. Dry skinned people may need a moisturiser beneath.

Rating:

Quality: 5/5
Value for money: 5/5
Availability: 5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes for sure..Its my HG sunscreen for now.

Have you used Lotus sunscreens ? Which one is your HG ?

Colorbar I Glide Eye Pencils Prunella, Jaded Review,Swatches

Colorbar I Glide Eye Pencils Prunella, Jaded Review,Swatches
I love love these pencils…I have not tried I Define…but I love I Glide and these are more creamier too..I got Prunella and Jaded as I love both these colors…I think all bloggers have atleast 1 of these..Prunella is a very pretty royal purple..and Jaded is a jewel toned green and is a bit glossier..

Do let me know if anyone wants the ingredients list..its given on the carton.

What the Company claims: Defines like a pencil and glides like liquid eyeliner, the I-Glide Eye Pencil, with its smooth formulation, gives your eyes rich colour in a single stroke and blends in easily after application. Lasts longer than 8 hours; does not feather or bleed. This effortlessly easy to use I-Glide Eye Pencil is available in six shades including Silver hue, CocoBar, Jaded, Electra, Prunella and Blackout

Ingredients

MRP:  Rs.325/- for 1.1g

Check out the shades on site

Up- Jaded-Down- Prunella

Pros:
1. They are super creamy..nice and easy to line..without ant tugging or pulling.
2. The colors are intense….1 swipe is enough.
3. Packaging is nice…colors at the end to locate and a tight cap.
4. Decently priced considering the quality and compared to Revlon and Chambor.
5. They are water proof.
6. Stay on the whole day without smudging.
7. Can be smudged within a minute of applying for that smokey effect.
8. These are matte and so can be used anytime..unlike the Maybelline Vivid and Smooth which are all shimmery.

Cons:
1. These are very soft and have to be sharpened carefully.
2. These get over pretty soon 🙁

Rating:

Quality: 5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5

Would I buy them again: Yes yes I would..I love them..:) There are 4-5 new colors added in it..And I also like the Coal Mine shade.

Which I glide do you have ? Which color is your favorite ?